Partnerships the plan next year

By Rebecca Petersen | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, July 19, 2008

It’s an exciting summer of change and construction and progress in Fergus Falls.

Some of you are already aware of the fact that many activities that usually happen at the Middle School Auditorium are being moved to various locations around town.

For instance, generally A Center for the Arts does our summer musical over at the Middle School.

However, this year our production of “Wizard of Oz” is well underway and preparing for opening night at A Center for the Arts’ Fergus Theatre downtown on Aug. 2. We are so excited.

Also in this fruit basket upset of venues and programs moving around the community, this year A Center for the Arts is teaming up again with Security State Bank in what promises to be another fabulous program.

Last summer we helped Security State with their concert over at the Middle School Auditorium.

This year we’re a partner in their program out at Life Church.

They’re bringing this amazing singer to the community on Aug. 9 and 10.

Just like last year’s concert, A Center for the Arts AND Security State Bank will be handling ticket sales.

Whintley Phipps is nationally known for his rich voice and warm style — both as a singer and a humanitarian.

His voice is stunning and his repertoire spans gospel, spirituals and popular music.

I understand that Life Church is a fine place to attend a performance.

In fact there are others who will be using the space in lieu of the Middle School auditorium.

Next year, the Fergus Falls Concert Association will be holding their series at Life Church, and the Fergus Falls School District’s Choir programs will also be at the church.

Meanwhile, the Fergus Theatre will also host several school programs including orchestra concerts, the two high school plays and probably the Middle School Variety Show.

We’re lucky to have so many options for performance spaces in our community because there is so much happening here.

It’s a great way to get to know each other better and partner on programs.

Which reminds me, don’t forget that “Robin Hood” performances this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (18, 19, and 20) will be at The Community College – MSCTC Fergus Falls. All shows are at 7:30 p.m.

Meanwhile here at A Center for the Arts, we’re excited about the film, “Young At Heart,” running this weekend and next (July 19 at 1 and 7:30 p.m., 20 and 27 at 4 p.m. and 24 at 2 p.m. and 26 at 1 and 7:30 p.m.).

But we’re ecstatic about Kevin Kling’s visit on July 25 with a storytelling workshop from 4 to 6 p.m., at The Village Cooperative and a program at A Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m.

Kevin’s book, “The Dog Says How,” is our summer read. Stop by Lundeen’s and play the quiz in the window, buy your book if you don’t already have it, and join in the fun.

Concerts in the Park have been a blast and every week we’ve read a story from Kevin’s book.

Join us every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., at Roosevelt Park.

And, if you want more storytelling workshops, our favorite Sonja Kosler will be in town on Monday, July 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. to get us in the “my favorite stories” frame of mind. We all have stories to tell.

Rebecca Petersen is the director of A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls.